Robert Griffin, M.D., serves as chief medical officer for Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Griffin offers his professional and technical counsel to existing health plan services and is involved with the planning and development of future services. Griffin attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and earned his bachelor's degree from the U. S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. Griffin earned his doctorate in medicine from Emory University in Atlanta, Ga. Prior to joining Arkansas Blue Cross, Griffin worked as the senior medical director for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont from 2003 to 2010. Griffin served in the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1999. He rose in the ranks from infantry platoon leader to brigadier general. He retired from active military service in 1999. Griffin has earned certifications from the National Board of Medical Examiners and the American Board of Surgery. He is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, a member of the American Academy of Physician Executives, National Eagle Scout Association, Military Officers Association of America, Association of Graduates of the U.S. Military Academy and former chairman of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association's National Council of Physician and Pharmacy Executives. Griffin served in combat in the Vietnam and Persian Gulf wars and has received many military honors including, the Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge and Ranger Tab.